The beauty and elegance of this young mare was apparent at a very early age. Even knowing her physical abilities I have to say that her most outstanding characteristics are her exceptional mind and trainability. Liberta was bred by Secret Ravine Lipizzans and is now owned by 13 year old Jessica Banaszak of Placerville, California. Her sire is Conversano II Grace and her dam is Politica.
Liberta was started under saddle by Jessica and is currently in training with Alejandro Salazar, of Rancho Pura Vida, in Shingle Springs, California. In the picture above Jessica and Liberta very ably demonstrate the potential of the Lipizzan as a competitive dressage horse. The picture was taken at their first show where they took first place in both of their classes riding Introductory Tests A and B, with scores of 69.5 and 70.4! As if that wasn't an impressive enough start, three weeks later Liberta and Jessica attended a USDF/USA Equestrian sanctioned show where they again placed first in both of their classes. This time with with scores of 72.5 in Introductory Test A, and 67 in Training Level Test 1.
Most of us would be happy if our horses safely made it around the dressage court at their first few shows. After all, there are so many things for youngsters to spook at .....flower pots, judges stands, videographers, golf carts, flags. But not this youngster. She went out and performed like a seasoned campaigner. We joke that she got her daddy's circus genes. After all, if dad is not afraid of lions, tigers, elephants and trains why should she be afraid of a few measly flowers!